We are here to teach and support our people in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and related issues such as; Healthy Sexuality, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Hepatitis ABC, and co-infections , in a manner that is respectful to our Aboriginal ways of life. We are guided on this mission by the people we help.

Perscription drugs are becoming very popular with the youth in the First Nations and Aboriginal communities. This section of the HON website is to give information on the different types of perscription drugs that are being useby the youth. This section will share info about signs of symptoms and harmful side effects. Please click the links below for more information on each topic.

If a person is found with prescription drugs either not prescribed to that person or is found to be “double doctoring” (not informing a prescribing practitioner about other prescriptions received in the past 30 days) it can result in imprisonment of up to 3 years. Trafficking, importing, exporting or producing stimulants can result n 10 years imprisonment.

Stimulant Use 2011 Stats

General population (age 15+) 0.9%

Youth (age 15-24) 2.4%

Adults (age 25+) 0.6%

In 2010-11, 2.2% of Canadian students have reported using stimulants in the past year for non-medical purposes

Use of tranquilizers and sedatives are legal when prescribed by a specific licenced practitioners and are used by the person for whom they are prescribed. Possession of sedatives and tranquilizers is not in and of itself illegal. However, “double doctoring” (obtaining prescriptions from more than one practitioner without tell the prescribing practitioner about prescriptions received in the past 30 days) can result in 18 months imprisonment. Trafficking, importing exporting or the production of sedatives and tranquilizers can result in 3 years imprisonment.

Sedatives and Tranquilizer Use 2011 Stats

General Population (age 15+) 9.1%

Youth (age 15-24) 4%

Adults (age 25+) 10.1%

Seniors (age 65+) 14.4%

Same classification as cocaine and methamphetamine

Increased alertness, energy and attention in low doses

Increases levels of dopamine in the brain

Narrow blood vessels in the body causing a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the heart

Increase in blood pressure and heart rate

Increase body temperature and breathing rate

Decrease the ability to sleep and the desire to eat

Sweating

Dilated pupils

Restlessness

Aggressive behaviour

Dizziness

Tremors

Increase ability to concentrate,

Paranoia

Hallucinations

12% of females have used Sedatives and tranquilizers compared to 5.9% of males

From 2008-2010 First Nations ages 18+ living on-reserve across Canada, 5.7% reported past-year use of sedative or sleeping pills

Stimulants

Short term effects:

Same classification as cocaine and methamphetamine

Increased alertness, energy and attention in low doses

Increases levels of dopamine in the brain

Narrow blood vessels in the body causing a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the heart

If a person is found with prescription drugs either not prescribed to that person or is found to be “double doctoring” (not informing a prescribing practitioner about other prescriptions received in the past 30 days) it can result in imprisonment of up to 3 years. Trafficking, importing, exporting or producing stimulants can result n 10 years imprisonment.

Stimulant Use 2011 Stats

General population (age 15+) 0.9%

Youth (age 15-24) 2.4%

Adults (age 25+) 0.6%

In 2010-11, 2.2% of Canadian students have reported using stimulants in the past year for non-medical purposes